I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I saw The Sound of Music perhaps once or twice in childhood, and it made a bit of an impression, although I haven’t seen it recently to remember much beyond the basics. But I do remember that I was stunned to find out it was based on a true story, and that Maria and the Von Trapps even formed a musical group that performed together for around 20 years! Thus, I was intrigued by the concept for Maria, especially how it directly discussed the issue of adapting the life of a real person for the stage (and later screen).
Structurally, I like that, while the main voice was Maria’s, recounting the period of her life covered in The Sound of Music, there’s also a frame narrative surrounding the period leading up to the staging of the musical itself. While the choice to have a throwaway fictional character, Fran, Oscar Hammerstein’s secretary, as the POV for this framing device, was a risky move, as often this can fall flat, she serves her purpose of being a conduit between Maria and Oscar Hammerstein, as well as the production itself. She’s not meant to be engaging in her own right, as far as I can tell, as there’s no attempt to shoehorn insights about her. And while it would have been interesting to get more of Hammerstein’s insights into all of it, I like that while there was a chapter where the reader got a peek into his head, and the narrative conveyed the stakes for him, I didn’t feel like there was anything lost by not hearing more of his inner thoughts.
Maria herself is vibrant, and while she’s not exactly like the Julie Andrews incarnation, you can see some of the similarities. I was drawn by how her upbringing by her abusive uncle shaped her, and she didn’t initially want to marry at all, as she was committed to becoming a nun. She was hired as a governess for one of the Von Trapp children, and it was her love for them that was the reason for her marriage to Georg Von Trapp, although she did grow to love him, and they had three biological children together (finding out their youngest is still alive, and their other two only died in the last few years was pretty cool).
As this recounts events on a historical scale, not a theatrical/cinematic one, it skips around a bit to cover everything relevant to The Sound of Music’s plot. I did find this a tad choppy, especially towards the end during the 1930s, in the leadup to them fleeing the Nazis, and clarifying how things happened differently than they do in the film. However, as the bulk of the story prior was mostly linear, and Moran mostly succeeded in making it feel cohesive, this was likely more related to my own personal preferences than any failing on the part of the book.
This was a wonderfully nostalgic read, and it’s perfect for fans of The Sound of Music.

Maria didn’t like the way her story was told in the play, The Sound of Music. She didn’t like the portrayal of her husband, Captain Georg von Trapp. A story is more appealing when a character undergoes a major transformation. The captain was chosen to be the one to hear the sound of music and see the light.
Maria isn’t portrayed as a very good mother, insisting that they all sing together, even at the ages of 6 and 9. Locking one daughter in her room in an effort to keep her from marrying.
Very revealing book.

The hills were not always alive with the sound of music for Maria and the von Trapps. But this book by Michelle Moran is something good. Like many of us “The Sound of Music” has a special spot in our hearts and memories. This novel, tells other parts of the story and the making of the musical. When the book was announced I KNEW i had to read it, and it lived up to all my hopes for it.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for an advanced copy!

I have loved the books I have read by Michelle Moran, and Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies, so this was a must read for me. I had already read Maria's autobiography and other books about the movie, so all that was written was not new to me. However, I did learn some new things which I enjoyed. I also liked learning something about Oscar Hammerstein. Michelle's well-researched novel is a compelling read. I would definitely recommend this, especially if you haven't read anything else about her.

Please note:
I will be sharing my review on my book blog: marysreadallaboutit.wordpress.com on May 29, 2024, and it will also post on my Goodreads page that same day.

Thanks to Random House, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the digital advance copy in exchange for my honest review. This will be published July 30, 2024.

Between my undying love of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and my family’s annual summer vacation in the mountains of Vermont, the von Trapp name is a source of comfort for me. Like any fan of the film’s iconic and recognizable opening sequence, I was immediately drawn to the cover of this novel. Despite my fandom of the musical and multiple visits to the lodge and brewery in Stowe, I realized I didn’t know much about the real family. This year’s trip seemed like the perfect opportunity to read this ARC.

What I didn’t know before reading this book is that the real Maria von Trapp was extremely displeased with the initial concept of the musical, especially the portrayal of her husband, Georg. Upon learning that fact, it felt a little…odd…to be reading yet another fictional portrayal of her life and family. This book is historical fiction about a woman who was trying to correct the fictionalized portrayal of her life…so it became difficult to wrap my head around that concept.

That said, while I enjoyed reading this during my vacation in Vermont, I had some issues with the writing and format. I felt that the side story featuring Oscar Hammerstein’s assistant was extraneous, and I probably would have enjoyed the book more if it had been written completely from Maria’s perspective. If you’re a big fan of the film or musical, you might enjoy this, but ultimately, you might be better off reading one of Maria’s actual memoirs instead.

Maria by Michelle Moran is an immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive novel that captivates readers much like the beloved musical. This book is a must-read, featuring a complex and compelling leading lady who will both delight and surprise those who think they already know the story of the legendary von Trapp family.

A fun take on behind the scenes of adapting the real-Von Trapps into a play!
I did have minor concerns of the cover dancing the line of copy right infringement which makes me unlikely to morally feel comfortable recommending this book to someone.

I have adored “The Sound of Music” movie since I was a little girl. I’ve seen it many times, listened to the soundtrack record on my parents’ Hi-Fi; basically I have it memorized. When I read Maria’s autobiography as a kid, it was a disappointment, because it wasn’t the same story as the movie (No Gretel, no Liesel, etc.) I don’t think I even ever finished it…
Fast-forward to present-day:
The gorgeous cover of the Netgalley ARC caught my eye first. Then the description intrigued me; I wanted to know why the real-life Maria was not a fan of the script of the play. Incensed, was the word used. Once I started reading, I found myself thinking, “Oh, that’s why that was in the movie!”, quite often. Enough to where, by the end, the differences between the real story and the screenplay didn’t bother me anymore. My “favorite things” were still there; a captain with seven children, all of whom are still grieving the loss of their mother, are driving away governess after governess. Maria manages to bring some light back into the household, by loosening many of the tight reins of perfect behavior exacted on the kids. Yep, she really did teach them how to play and be children, in clothes made of drapes! The family did have good reason to flee Hitler’s Austria, and did escape narrowly.
So, by the end , I was very satisfied with this book! I will definitely by a print copy at the end of July, and enjoy it again. ( And, I’m sure a “Sound of Music” movie night will be in the near future!)
**I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**

The master storyteller, Michelle Moran, makes a phenomenal come back with a surprising story of Maria von Trapp who was glamorized in The Sound of Music. However, this story gives stage to Maria who tells her side of the story; a woman who was larger than life, who knew what she wanted and went after it.

The story begins with Maria already in NYC in the 1950s confronting Oscar Hammerstein about the lyrics he wrote for a musical based on her life. As Maria expresses her concerns to Oscar’s secretary, she reveals her true story, more complicated and compelling than the glamorized version.

The story goes back to 1926 Salzburg, Austria, where the nineteen year old Maria is a teacher at convent. When this place becomes her home and children like her family, after two years, she is asked to take an assignment. It doesn’t make her happy to leave this homelike feeling place. Something she craved to have from her childhood. But she is promised it’s only for ten months.

When the war hero who loses his wife to scarlet fever asks for a teacher for his seven children, Maria is recognized as the best teacher. Thus, she is asked to take this assignment. The thought of taking orders from a man makes Maria shiver. And she drifts to her childhood story revealing why.

As the story moves backwards, it reveals the traumatic childhood. With each page, the dimensions are breathed into the rebellious character who seeks warmth and family atmosphere. The progressing pages reveal more, that despite Maria’s challenging childhood, her spirit remains joyful as she likes to skip steps, climb the roofs and hop over the chimneys, and tickle people to make them laugh. All that seen as improper at the convent but what makes Maria stand out is her ability to sing and teach children the most songs.

At the von Trapp family’s villa, Maria’s spirit continues to shine despite strict rules of aristocratic traits. She uses a curtain to create dresses for children to play in, something comfortable. They hike when it shines, and sing inside when it rains. Within the short time, not only children get attached to her but also the father. The expected ten months turn into unexpected lifetime with the von Trapp but the happy lives are challenged by financial downfall, war, and exodus.

As it often happens, in hard times, the soulful music becomes balm. That’s how the family faces challenges with music at home, which takes them to an appearance at the music festival, which further sparks the interest of others and gives start to their tours and the legendary movie.

This is a deeply touching story of a remarkable woman who despite life’s challenges remains joyful and kind. Her youthful spirit is contagious which can be felt throughout the pages. With simple prose, this story takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and remarkable spirit.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

I was hesitant to read this book, as The Sound of Music is my all-time favorite movie. I didn’t want anything to affect by feeling for this movie, but I didn’t want to put this book down. It made Maria all the more real and gave more background of Maria and the Von Trapp family. I highly recommend this book for all Sound of Music fans.

Fantastic historical novel! I breezed through this book and enjoyed every minute of Maria's (and the Von Trapp family) backstory.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Pub Date: July 30, 2024
How I Read It: 📱

Synopsis
In the 1950s, Oscar Hammerstein is asked to write the lyrics to a musical based on the life of a woman named Maria von Trapp. Maria is an Austrian nun/teacher who is sent on a rare assignment to an Austrian villa to teach a widowed baron/captain’s sick child for ten months. Life, however, does not always go as planned and the captain asks her to marry him. With the Nazis taking control of Austria, the family has to flee their homeland to escape, as they use their musical talents to journey to America.

My Thoughts
I requested this book just because I have loved The Sound of Music since I was a child. I have been looking for books set in the 1950’s, so I was so excited when I started reading this book and Hammersmith’s assistant Fran mentions she was wearing a robin’s egg blue dress, I knew that I landed right where I wanted to be! Set in NYC in 1959 and Austria in early 1900’s, the book begins with Maria’s story unfolding, from her childhood, to her life at the abbey, her time as a governess, and then the pieces the movie doesn’t cover: the time after she marries Georg. I love that the author was so respectfully honest about Maria and her personality because it is so different from what we know of her in the movie. Seeing this side of Maria, her difficult childhood and her family struggles after her marriage, gave the story a new light for me, so I didn’t feel like I was reading something I already knew.

I was a little confused while I was reading this book. I knew it was fiction, but what parts were fiction and what parts weren’t? Luckily, the author explains all of this at the end of the book, and what you have is a beautifully written book that seamlessly weaves truth and fiction into a story that fans of The Sound of Music need to read and will love!

Final Thoughts
If you love the Sound of Music or have never seen the movie, this is a great book to read to learn more of Maria’s story. It was a book I didn’t know I needed to read, but I needed to read it!

❗️Of Note
🏥 Cancer / Death
💀 War

Themes:
🎶 Music
🤱🏼Family

Ratings
Characters: 4 ⭐️
Pace: 3.5 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 4 ⭐️

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell
Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Definitely an interesting read, I learned a lot about the Von Trapps and it makes me wish the Sound of Music was a bit more accurate. The fiction aspect was a little eh but cute too.

It was amazing reading this book
5 STARS
Just loved it so much
The sound of music is one of my favorite movies and story ever and I was just caught up in the moment <3

"Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp" by Michelle Moran is a captivating reimagining of the life of the famous matriarch from "The Sound of Music." Moran, known for her meticulously researched historical novels, delves into Maria's journey with a fresh perspective, bringing depth and nuance to the well-known story.

The novel paints a vivid picture of Maria's early life, her struggles, and her eventual role as the governess and later stepmother to the Von Trapp children. Moran's writing is both lyrical and engaging, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in Maria's triumphs and tribulations. The historical context is rich and well-woven into the narrative, offering a detailed backdrop of the turbulent times during which Maria lived.

One of the standout features of Moran's portrayal is the complexity she brings to Maria's character. Rather than a simplistic portrayal of a singing governess, Moran's Maria is a woman of great strength, compassion, and resilience. Her internal conflicts and growth are depicted with great empathy, making her journey all the more compelling.

Fans of historical fiction and those with a fondness for the original Von Trapp story will find "Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp" a delightful and enriching read. Moran succeeds in breathing new life into a beloved figure, ensuring that Maria's story continues to inspire and captivate a new generation of readers.

This was a great read. I thought it was interesting to read more about Maria von Trapp's life and how different it was from The Sound of Music. I found both parts of the book (Maria's life and the making of the musical) equally interesting, which is rare in a novel. I've only watched The Sound of Music once as a child, so you don't need to be a big fan to like this novel.

When I hear "The Sound of Music," I immediately remember the movie with Julie Andrews. I didn't know it was a Broadway show before being filmed, and I also never thought about the fact that it was released within twenty years of the events depicted in the show. It makes sense that the actual Maria von Trapp would have had feedback on how the story of her life was being played out on stage.

The novel opens with Fran, an assistant for Oscar Hammerstein, taking a call from a frantic theater director. It seems Maria von Trapp is causing problems on set because she's unhappy with the play's script. Fran is sent to listen and pacify. Instead, Fran becomes wrapped up in Maria's telling of the actual story of her life.

I read this book in two days because I was so engaged. I loved reading "the story behind the story" and comparing the actual events to what was presented on stage and screen. Maria's actual life was far more fascinating than the time constraints of the professional productions could allow. The story also does not have the happy glow of the film. Maria was a complicated person, marked by childhood trauma. This novel is an absorbing look into the untold story of the von Trapps after they left Austria. Highly Recommend!

I grew up watching classic musicals, and The Sound of Music has always been a favorite. So I was excited to read a book based on that musical's creation and Maria von Trapp's life. I knew the musical wasn't completely accurate, but I didn't know the specifics.

This novel allows us to meet the real Maria—warts and all. I appreciated that she took us back to her childhood so we could understand how Maria ended up at the convent and why her marriage and life with the von Trapps were more complicated than the musical would lead us to believe.

What I loved about the story was its honesty. It didn't hold back and try to make Maria as perfect as Julie Andrews' portrayal but gave us a chance to peek behind the veil and see the real woman. She was very enthusiastic and often so caught up in the idea of their fame that she didn't consider what everyone else wanted. She loved music and singing, and I think she just assumed that because the rest of them could sing, they loved it just as much. I liked that she continued the story of their lives beyond escaping Austria.

I also really enjoyed the parts set in 1959 as the musical is a few weeks from opening - meeting Oscar Hammerstein and seeing how everything came together.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book. If you love The Sound of Music, you will enjoy this novel!

Having recently seen a good local production of "The Sound of Music", this book caught my eye. I had tried to read Maria Von Trapp's autobiography but lost interest. This historical novel is a well-written account of the true story of the Von Trapp family singers, particularly after they left their home. The end notes of what became of them all adds to the story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing House-Ballantine for my copy of Maria by Michelle Moran in exchange for an honest review. It publishes July 30, 2024.
Wow! I just finished this book, and I wish I could read it all over again. I sincerely loved this book. I felt like Moran did such a great job respectfully portraying the Von Trapp family. I learned so much about them! Also, this book is extremely readable and extremely well-written. I also really enjoyed learning about about Rogers and Hammerstein. I highly, highly recommend this one!